Trial date set for Miami-Dade deputy accused of trying to smuggle Ecstasy onto cruise – NBC 6 South Florida

A Miami-Dade Sheriff’s deputy who was allegedly caught with dozens of Ecstasy pills at PortMiami last year was back in court Thursday.

Deputy Francisco Melo was arrested in January 2025 and charged with attempting to smuggle 60 MDMA pills onto a cruise ship that was hosting a music festival.

Investigators said Melo concealed the drugs inside Skittles candy bags.

Melo was arrested amid an undercover operation before he could board the cruise ship.

In court Thursday, it was learned Melo passed a drug test, and the judge set a June trial date.

Melo, who had been with the department for six years but was relieved of duty after his arrest, had pleaded not guilty.